Nebraska at Michigan State - 2026 Matchup Preview
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Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State logo
Saturday, September 26th 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Spartan Stadium - East Lansing, MI  (Big Ten)

 
Cornhuskers (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Matt Rhule (19 - 19)
Avg Score : 29 - 25 (20 - 28 on Road)
Record Prediction: 5.7 - 6.3 (#68)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 4) (Good: 2) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 4)
MSU is playing their 4th straight game
NEB is playing their 4th straight game
Our Line: Nebraska -4  (SP+ NEB -9.5)

Projected Score: NEB: 28 - MSU: 24 (52)
NEB Win prob: 62% | Cover: 49%
NEB Travel: 643 miles, 1 hrs behind
Spartans (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Pat Fitzgerald (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 25 - 30 (25 - 28 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 4 - 8 (#87)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 4) (Good: 1) (Avg: 4) (Bad: 3)
 
Nebraska's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Nebraska vs Ohio-15.5
Sat 9/12Nebraska vs Bowling Green-21.5
Sat 9/19Nebraska vs North Dakota-29.5
Sat 9/26Nebraska at Michigan State-4
Sat 10/3Nebraska vs Maryland-6.5
Sat 10/10Nebraska vs Indiana+21
Sat 10/17Nebraska at Oregon+22.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/31Nebraska vs Washington+13
Sat 11/7Nebraska at Illinois+9.5
Sat 11/14Nebraska at Rutgers-2
Sat 11/21Nebraska vs Ohio State+21
Fri 11/27Nebraska at Iowa+13

Total: Elite: 4, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 2
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 4, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 2
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Nebraska's Schedule
Michigan State's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Michigan State vs Toledo+1
Sat 9/12Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan-12.5
Sat 9/19Michigan State at Notre Dame+29.5
Sat 9/26Michigan State vs Nebraska+4
Sat 10/3Michigan State at Wisconsin+2.5
Sat 10/10Michigan State vs Illinois+10.5
Sat 10/17Michigan State vs Northwestern+1
Sat 10/24Michigan State at UCLA+6
— Bye Week —
Sat 11/7Michigan State at Michigan+22
Sat 11/14Michigan State vs Washington+19
Sat 11/21Michigan State vs Oregon+24
Sat 11/28Michigan State at Rutgers+4.5

Total: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 4, Bad 2, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 4, Bad 2, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Michigan State's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NEB#77 (.16)46% (27)28.748% (22)3.16 (29)14845% (36)2253.93 (50)#101 (.21)43% (88)24.647% (117)39% (38)4.37 (128)43.50.81
MSU#97 (.12)42% (79)24.642% (84)2.56 (128)12342% (67)2233.75 (64)#104 (.21)45% (115)29.947% (121)44% (103)3.91 (93)44.910.8
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NEB0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
MSU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NEB Offense1328.719.546.2%3.930.8203721482254.349%49%48%45%13%.16
MSU Defense1229.927.845.2%3.910.8 - - - - - 49%49%47%44%14%.21
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NEB Defense1324.628.343.2%4.371 - - - - - 55%43%47%39%14%.21
MSU Offense1224.624.841.7%3.751193451232233.847%51%42%42%18%.12

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Nebraska1330:3520.346%36%4.643.50.8151.7231.8
Michigan State1230:1118.835%44%5.344.910.84.71.8127.3
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NEB Offense1349% (68)48% (22)34.2147.84.320 (60).13 (63)3.16 (29)76% (44)9% (53)0.81 (125)
MSU Defense1249% (53)47% (121) - - - - .16 (101)2.87 (66)81% (125)9% (97)0.91 (44)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NEB Defense1355% (122)47% (117) - - - - .25 (132)3.25 (121)79% (119)10% (62)1.12 (128)
MSU Offense1247% (90)42% (84)32.3122.73.816 (60).06 (96)2.56 (128)65% (109)13% (131)0.95 (73)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NEB Offense1349% (72)45% (36)2029.1224.67.711.223 (14)7 (60).22 (83)1.4 (128)25% (5)32% (52).39 (35)4% (11)1.9 (94)
MSU Defense1249% (83)44% (103) - - - - - - 5 (100).32 (103)1.5 (34)29% (111)30% (74).33 (86)5% (114)2.1 (88)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NEB Defense1343% (10)39% (38) - - - - - - 6 (100).19 (44)1.5 (25)31% (87)35% (128).44 (127)5% (122)2 (47)
MSU Offense1251% (52)42% (67)2031.5222.77.111.120 (50)6 (34).24 (74)1.4 (112)30% (54)30% (78).37 (44)5% (23)2.1 (49)

Nebraska's Power Ratings
Nebraska's Power Rating: 6.29  #52
Nebraska's Offense Rating: 17.35  #32
Nebraska's Defense Rating: 16.06  #70
2026 Talent Rating: 938.00  #26
Blue Chip Ratio: 24%  #23
Nebraska's 2026 Expected Record: 5.7 - 6.3
Nebraska's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 6.2  #46
Nebraska's Offense SP+ Rating: 28.8  #56
Nebraska's Defense SP+ Rating: 22.7  #44

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81

Power Ratings Matchup
Nebraska: 6.29   Michigan State: 2.395

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Nebraska: 6.2   Michigan State: -3.4




Michigan State's Power Ratings
Michigan State's Power Rating: 2.395  #66
Michigan State's Offense Rating: 14.58  #61
Michigan State's Defense Rating: 16.39  #73
2026 Talent Rating: 800.00  #61
Blue Chip Ratio: 10  #39
Michigan State's 2026 Expected Record: 4.0 - 8.0
Michigan State's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -3.4  #82
Michigan State's Offense SP+ Rating: 26.6  #70
Michigan State's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.7  #81

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81


Nebraska Scoring
Offense: 28.7 PPG
Offense on Road: 19.5
Defense: 24.6 PPG
Defense on Road: 28.3

Nebraska's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Nebraska 28
Michigan State 24


Projected Total Points: 52
Michigan State Scoring
Offense: 24.6 PPG
Offense at Home: 24.8
Defense: 29.9 PPG
Defense at Home: 27.8

Michigan State's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202510/04Nebraska38Michigan State27Nebraska -12.5Michigan State48.5Over
202311/04Michigan State20Nebraska17Nebraska -3Michigan State34.5Over
202109/25Michigan State23Nebraska20Michigan State -3.5Nebraska55.0Under
201811/17Nebraska9Michigan State6Nebraska -1.5Nebraska48.5Under
201511/07Nebraska39Michigan State38Michigan State -4.5Nebraska55.5Over
201410/04Michigan State27Nebraska22Michigan State -8Nebraska0
201311/16Nebraska28Michigan State41Michigan State -3.5Michigan State0
201211/03Michigan State24Nebraska28
201110/29Nebraska24Michigan State3
200312/29Nebraska17Michigan State3
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Michigan State433 Overs
Nebraska642 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams8 - 23 - 41 - 32 - 1
Road Teams2 - 84 - 31 - 23 - 1

(#52) NEB at (#66) MSU
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatNEBMSU
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #52 #66
SP+SP+ #46 #82
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #26 #61
Blue ChipsBC% #23 #39
Nebraska Notes
(2/14) Vibes: Low, bad finish, QB leaves, ? Rhule era
(3/1) New DC Aurich was great at SDSU, good add
(2/1) QB1: Colandrea (UNLV) likely. Lateef also returns
(2/1) RB rebuild, limted exp. Have options but dudes?
(2/1) WR 3 guys w 480+yds/4+ TDs LY, good unit + TE
(2/1) OL: 4 back w exp + 3 portals. Could be strength
(2/1) Def added 9 portals, 3 at every level. Needed it
(2/1) DL 2 big portal adds. 7 have exp. Must improve
(2/1) LBs 2/3 starters from portal? Chambliss big add
(2/1) DBs have 3 good CBs, but Safety a huge ?
Nebraska Injury Report
Michigan State Notes
(2/17) Vibes: Excited for Fitz & move past recent mess
(1/30) Starters QB, RB, WR1, LT, 2 DL left via portal
(1/29) Is Fitz a fit in this era? Definite staff upgrade
(1/29) QB Milivojevic vs Fancher (5K pass/1K rush exp)
(1/29) RB Edwards (UConn) much needed. Some depth
(1/29) WR a huge ? that lacks any obvious answers
(1/29) OL 4 clear starters + good depth. Sneaky good?
(1/29) DL looks small and lacks dudes. Big weakness
(1/29) LBs mostly portals but good parts, Cov issues?
(1/29) DB 5 portals, need Saf Martinez to be healthy
(1/29) Better TY, but will struggle to bowl w/o big jumps
Michigan State Injury Report
Nebraska on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 49%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
NEB OffMSU Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #27 #115
ExplosiveExp #134 #30
PPAPPA #77 #104
PowerPwr #32 #73
SP+SP+ #56 #81
Pts POPPO #50 #93
HavocHav #23 #110
Nebraska Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 49%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
NEB OffMSU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #22 #121
Run ExplRExp #125 #44
PPAExp #63 #101
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #29 #66
Stuff RateStuff #19 #104
TackleTak - NR
Nebraska Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 49%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
NEB OffMSU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #36 #103
Pass ExplPExl #128 #34
PPAExp #83 #103
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #53 #97
DB HavocDB #11 #114
Michigan State on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCatMSU OffNEB Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #79 #88
ExplosiveExp #97 #80
PPAPPA #97 #101
PowerPwr #61 #70
SP+SP+ #70 #44
Pts POPPO #64 #128
HavocHav #115 #100
Michigan State Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
MSU OffNEB Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #84 #117
Run ExplRExp #73 #128
PPAExp #96 #132
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #128 #121
Stuff RateStuff #132 #117
TackleTak - NR
Michigan State Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCatMSU OffNEB Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #67 #38
Pass ExplPExl #112 #25
PPAExp #74 #44
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #131 #62
DB HavocDB #23 #122
Program Comparison
MSU 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

NEB 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg P4
'26 Profile: Remains Below Avg P4

Weather Forecast
Playing in Spartan Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Nebraska beat Michigan State last year (38-27)
Michigan State beat Nebraska in 2023 (20-17)

  
NEB's OC Dana Holgorsen (in his second season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Anthony Colandrea (Tr)27541766%34592398.3
TJ Lateef7412360%904517.3
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Anthony Colandrea (Tr)127650105.137
Mekhi Nelson2714725.438
Kwinten Ives2013326.728
TJ Lateef4012043.016
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Nyziah Hunter43617514.364
Kwazi Gilmer (Tr)50535410.743
Jacory Barney Jr.45484510.852
Luke Lindenmeyer29312210.826

View Nebraska's Full Roster

NEB's DC Rob Aurich (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Owen Chambliss (Tr)909445
Rex Guthrie632001
Vincent Shavers Jr.618110
Donovan Jones592005
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Owen Chambliss (Tr)909445
Williams Nwaneri275351
Cameron Lenhardt233231
Kade Pietrzak166231
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Owen Chambliss (Tr)909445
Donovan Jones592005
Victor Evans III (Tr)411004

MSU's OC Nick Sheridan (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Alessio Milivojevic11117364%12671037.3
Cam Fancher (Tr)417257%333004.6
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Camryn Edwards2101240155.973
Marvis Parrish10657615.466
Brandon Tullis6829744.435
Jaziun Patterson (Tr)6029604.917
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Chrishon Mccray24330313.845
Marvis Parrish3620315.622
Camryn Edwards1918619.834
KK Smith (Tr)8123215.434

View Michigan State's Full Roster

MSU's DC Joe Rossi (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jordan Hall885321
Kenny Soares Jr. (Tr)804162
Dion Crawford (Tr)795431
Michael Richard Jr.385003
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dion Crawford (Tr)795431
Jordan Hall885321
Anelu Lafaele72210
Keahnist Thompson (Tr)82220
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Michael Richard Jr.385003
Kenny Soares Jr. (Tr)804162
Tre Bell (Tr)364002